Cooling micro-channels

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates generally to microelectronic technology, and more specifically, to an apparatus used for the cooling of active electronic devices utilizing micro-channels or micro-trenches, and a technique for fabricating the same.

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to microelectronic technology, and more specifically, to an apparatus used for the cooling of active electronic devices utilizing micro-channels or micro-trenches, and a technique for fabricating the same.

[0003] 2. Background Information

[0004] There has been rapid development in microelectronic technology, and as a result, microelectronic components are becoming smaller, and circuitry within microelectronic components is becoming increasingly dense. With a decrease in the size of components and an increase in circuit density, heat generation typically increases. Heat dissipation is becoming more critical as the technology develops.

[0005] Various techniques may typically be used to remove or dissipate heat generated by a microelectronic component. A microelectronic component or microelectronic package often includes a microelectronic die encased with in a microelectronic case. These techniques may include passive or active solutions. One such technique, which may be classified as a passive solution, involves the use of a mass of conductive material which may be alternatively referred to as a slug, heat sink, or heat spreader. One of the primary purposes of a heat spreader is to spread, or absorb and dissipate the heat generated by a microelectronic die. This may at least in part eliminate “hot spots” within the microelectronic die.

[0006] A heat sink may achieve thermal contact with a microelectronic die by use of a thermally conductive material, such as a thermal interface material (TIM) deposited between the die and the heat sink. The heat sink is often attached to the top of the microelectronic component. Often the heat sink is attached to the microelectronic case and not the microelectronic die. Typical thermal interface materials may include, for example, thermally conductive gels, grease or solders. Typical heat sinks are constructed of thermally conductive material, such as, aluminum, electrolytically plated copper, copper alloy, or ceramic, for example.

[0007] A water-cooling system is another technique, which may be classified as an active technique, may be used to dissipate heat generated by a microelectronic package. Typically, a water-cooling system transfers heat from the microelectronic package to water, which becomes hot. The technique is considered active because the now hot water is pumped away from the microelectronic package and cooler water in pumped towards the microelectronic package. The cool water transfers additional heat from the package to the water, which becomes hot. In turn, this water is typically pumped away from package and the cycle repeats itself.

[0008] Often a water-cooling system utilizes heat sinks to transfer heat from the package to the water. The water often runs through a series of pipes and often the heat sinks themselves. Typically contact between the microelectronic case and the water is avoided, and contact between the microelectronic die and the water is often greatly avoided.

[0009] These techniques, both active and passive, often attempt to dissipate heat from the entire microelectronic package, regardless of whether only a portion of the package requires heat dissipation. In addition, these techniques generally dissipate heat from the microelectronic case, as opposed to the microelectronic die where the heat is often produced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Subject matter is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portions of the specification. The disclosed subject matter, however, both as to organization and the method of operation, together with objects, features and advantages thereof, may be best understood by a reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0011]FIG. 1 is a cross sectional diagram of a microelectronic package illustrating an embodiment in accordance with the disclosed subject matter;

[0012]FIGS. 2 through 12 are a series of cross sectional diagrams of a microelectronic package illustrating one embodiment of a technique to fabricate an embodiment in accordance with the disclosed subject matter; and

[0013]FIG. 13 is a top-down cross sectional diagram of a microelectronic package illustrating an embodiment in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] In the following detailed description, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosed subject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the disclosed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as to not obscure the disclosed subject matter.

[0015]FIG. 1 is a cross sectional diagram of a microelectronic package illustrating an embodiment in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. In this embodiment, the cross section of the package includes a substrate 108. A number of micro-channels 106 may be etched into the substrate 108. However, it is contemplated that the micro-channels may be formed by techniques other than etching. It is contemplated that the micro-channels may have a variety of cross sectional shapes, such as, for example, rectangular.

[0016] It is contemplated that, in this context, when orienting terms, such as, for example, “top,” “above,” or “side,” are used, the terms are simply for illustrative purposes and do not mean that the disclosed subject matter is fixed to a certain orientation. The disclosed subject matter is obviously not limited to the described orientation and may be, for example, turned upside down from the described embodiment.

[0017] Micro-channels 106 may run substantially within the substrate 108. For example, the micro-channels may, if examined from the top (FIG. 13), appear to run from left to right across the substrate. It is contemplated that the micro-channels may be run in a variety of patterns and the disclosed subject matter is not limited to any one micro-channel pattern. It is further contemplated that the micro-channel patterns may be selected based upon a variety of reasons, such as, for example, the heat generation characteristics of the microelectronic package, the heat generation characteristics/geometry of the active and passive electrical devices, or, in another embodiment, ease of manufacture. It is also contemplated that the micro-channels may run both within and without the substrate, through a number of layers. It is yet further contemplated that the micro-channels 106 may intersect or include control elements.

[0018] A stop layer 110 may be placed or coupled on top 108T of the substrate 108. This hard layer may be in contact with and even bound micro-channels 106. It is contemplated that micro-channels may run through the stop layer. Stop layer 110 may have a substantially high thermal conductivity, so as to allow the transmittal of heat from layers above the stop layer 110 to the micro-channels 106. These layers may be coupled with the top 110T of the stop layer. Stop layer 110 may have a thermal conductivity in excess of 2 W/cm-K. In one embodiment, the stop layer may be comprised of diamond that may have a thermal conductivity of 6.3 W/cm-K. It is contemplated that other materials may be used besides or in addition to diamond and that this is merely one illustrative example. It is further contemplated that the stop layer may be sufficiently hard, or, in another example, substantially chemically different to provide a mechanism to stop the micro-channels 106 from being etched beyond the substrate 108.

[0019] A microelectronic wafer 102 or additional substrate 102 may be coupled to the bottom 108B of substrate 108. It is contemplated that, in one embodiment, the microelectronic wafer 102 may be coupled with the substrate 108 utilizing a layer of thermally conductive adhesive 104. However, this is merely one technique to bond the microelectronic wafer 102 with the substrate 108 may be used, such as, for example, direct or eutectic bonding. Microelectronic wafer 102 may also cap the micro-channels 106. The enclosed micro-channels 106 may be sufficiently sealed to allow the passage of a fluid through the micro-channels.

[0020] The micro-channels 106 may facilitate the transference of heat from a layer above the stop layer 110 to the fluid passing through the micro-channels. It is contemplated that the package may allow for the entrance and exit of the fluid. For example, the fluid may exit or enter the package utilizing holes (not shown) in the substrate 108 or microelectronic wafer 102. However, the disclosed subject matter is not limited by any particular plumbing architecture. It is further contemplated that the fluid may have sufficient thermal conductivity to act as a coolant, such as, for example, air, purified water, or oil. It is also contemplated that the fluid may go through a phase transition (e.g., liquid to gas) such that the heat of vaporization may absorb a significant amount of energy. However, the disclosed subject matter is not limited to any particular fluid. It is further contemplated that the fluid may be utilized in cooling components outside of the microelectronic package or, conversely, the fluid may just be utilized to cool the microelectronic package.

[0021] Stop layer 110 may be coupled with a number of layers that are coupled to heat generating elements. Stop layer 110 may be coupled with a fill layer 112. It is contemplated that the fill layer may include polished single or poly-crystalline silicon. It is further contemplated that, in one embodiment, the fill layer may include a number of active electrical devices, such as for example, transistors or electro-osmotic pumps. However, it is contemplated that the fill layer may include non-electrical heat generating elements or passive electrical devices, such as thermal sensors. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments, the fill layer 112 may be the top layer of the microelectronic package.

[0022] In one embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the fill layer 112 may be coupled with a layer of silicon 118. It is contemplated that the layer of silicon may include any of the active or passive elements described above. In one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the layer of polished silicon and the layer of single crystal may be bonded utilizing a first bonding layer 114, and a second bonding layer 116. In one embodiment, one or both bonding layers may include silicon dioxide. However, it is contemplated that other bonding techniques may be utilized. It is also contemplated that micro-channels 106 may run through or within some or all of the layers between the substrate and the layer containing the heat generating devices, for example, layers 108, 110, 112, 114, & 116. It is contemplated that the path of the micro-channels may depend, in one embodiment, on the thermal transference and placement of any elements that control the flow of the fluid within the micro-channels. However, this is merely one embodiment and the path of the micro-channels may be selected based upon other factors.

[0023] It is contemplated that the layers of the microelectronic package without active electrical devices, in one embodiment, the layers between, and including, the microelectronic wafer 102 and the second bonding layer 116, may be considered inactive or electrically insulating material. Conversely, the layer or layers with active electrical devices, in one embodiment the layer of silicon 118, may be considered the active layer. It is further contemplated that, the micro-channels 106 may provide mechanical stress relief to the microelectronic package.

[0024]FIGS. 2 through 12 are a series of cross sectional diagrams of a microelectronic package illustrating one embodiment of a technique to fabricate an embodiment in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. It is contemplated that these figures illustrate a number of actions that may be removed or altered from additional embodiments of the disclosed technique.

[0025]FIG. 2 illustrates that a substrate 108 may be selected. It is contemplated that the substrate may include, for example, single or poly-crystal silicon. It is further contemplated that the substrate has substantially flat top and bottom surfaces. FIG. 3 illustrates that a stop layer 110, may be deposited upon the top of the substrate. It is contemplated that the stop layer may be deposited utilizing a number of known sputter or chemical vapour deposition techniques.

[0026]FIG. 4 illustrates that a fill layer 112 may be deposited on top of the stop layer 110. It is contemplated that the fill layer may include single or poly-crystal silicon. It is contemplated that the fill layer may be deposited utilizing a number of known techniques. FIG. 5 illustrates that the fill layer may be polished. It is contemplated that the stop layer 110 may be too hard to polish. FIG. 6 illustrates that a first bonding layer 114 may be grown on top of the fill layer 112.

[0027]FIG. 7 illustrates that a cleave plane 122 may be formed within a second substrate, separating the substrate into a sacrificial layer 124 and a silicon substrate 118. It is contemplated that the second substrate may include single or poly-crystal silicon. FIG. 8 illustrates that a second bonding layer 116 may be grown on top of the silicon substrate 118. FIG. 9 illustrates that the second substrate may be bonded with the fill layer 114 utilizing the two bonding layers 114 & 116. It is contemplated the other bonding techniques, such as, for example, copper bonding, may be utilized. FIG. 10 illustrates that the sacrificial layer 124 and the cleave plane 122 may be removed, or cleaved off. It is contemplated that, a described above in regard to FIG. 1, active or passive devices, including electrical devices, may be fabricated utilizing silicon substrate 118.

[0028]FIG. 11 illustrates that a layer of resist 120 may be used to pattern the micro-channels on the first or bottom substrate 108. FIG. 12 illustrates that the micro-channels 106 may be etched into the substrate 108. It is contemplated that other techniques besides etching may be used to fabricate the micro-channels. It is further contemplated that the etching process may stop when the substrate has been etched through to the stop layer 110.

[0029]FIG. 1 illustrates the final action, in one embodiment of the technique. It is contemplated that other embodiments may include additional actions. A microelectronic wafer 102 may be bonded to the substrate 108 to cap the micro-trenches 106. The microelectronic wafer 102 may be bonded utilizing a layer of thermally conductive adhesive 104. It is contemplated that a number of other techniques may be used to bond the substrate 108 and the microelectronic wafer 102. The micro-channels 106 may be sufficiently capped so as to facilitate the passage of fluid.

[0030] It is contemplated that in one embodiment, the actions illustrated by FIGS. 6 through 10 may be skipped and any active electrical devices may be fabricated utilizing the fill layer 112. It is also contemplated that in one embodiment, the illustrated actions may be performed in a substantially different order. It is further contemplated that in other embodiments, additional devices and layers may be fabricated and that the micro-channels 106 may run or etched through additional layers besides the substrate 108.

[0031] While certain features of the disclosed subject matter have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the disclosed subject matter. 

What is claimed is: 1: An apparatus comprising: a layer of substrate having a top, a bottom, and a plurality of micro-channels; a layer of microelectronic wafer coupled with the bottom of the substrate; and a stop layer coupled with the top of the substrate; wherein the layer of microelectronic wafer, the stop layer, and the layer of substrate are coupled so as to facilitate the passage of a fluid through the micro-channels. 2: The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the micro-channels run substantially within the layer of substrate. 3: The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the micro-channels have a substantially rectangular cross-section; and the micro-channels are substantially in contact with the stop layer. 4: The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the layer of microelectronic wafer is coupled with the bottom of the substrate utilizing a layer of thermally conductive adhesive. 5: The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stop layer includes a top; the stop layer is coupled with the top to the substrate; the top of the stop layer is coupled to a layer that includes active electrical devices; and the stop layer has a substantially high thermal conductivity to allow, at least partial, heat transmittal from the active electrical devices to the micro-channels. 6: The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the stop layer includes a layer of diamond. 7: The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the top of the stop layer in coupled with a layer that includes: a fill layer; a first bonding layer; a second bonding layer; a layer of silicon; and a layer that includes active electrical devices. 8: The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the stop layer has a thermal conductivity of at least 2 W/cm-K. 9: The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the stop layer has a thermal conductivity of substantially 6.3 W/cm-K. 10: The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the micro-channels facilitate the at least partial removal of heat from at least one active electrical device. 11: The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the micro-channels facilitate the at least partial transference of heat from the at least one active electrical device to the fluid. 12: The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the fluid is at least partially water. 13: A microelectronic package comprising: an inactive material having a top and further including: a layer of substrate having a top, a bottom, and a plurality of micro-channels; a layer of microelectronic wafer coupled with the bottom of the substrate; and a stop layer coupled with the top of the substrate; wherein the layers of the inactive material are coupled so as to facilitate the passage of a fluid through the micro-channels; and an active layer coupled with the top of the inactive material and further including active electrical devices; wherein the inactive material and active layer are coupled so as to facilitate the transference of heat from the active electrical devices and the fluid. 14: The package of claim 13, wherein the micro-channels run substantially within the layer of substrate. 15: The package of claim 14, wherein the micro-channels have a substantially rectangular cross-section; and the micro-channels are substantially in contact with the stop layer. 16: The package of claim 13, wherein the stop layer has a substantially high thermal conductivity to allow, at least partial, heat transmittal from the active electrical devices to the micro-channels. 17: The package of claim 16, wherein the stop layer includes a layer of diamond. 18: The package of claim 16, wherein the top of the stop layer in coupled with a layer that includes: a fill layer; a first bonding layer; a second bonding layer; a layer of silicon; and a layer that includes active electrical devices. 19: The package of claim 16, wherein the stop layer has a thermal conductivity of at least 2 W/cm-K. 20: The package of claim 19, wherein the stop layer has a thermal conductivity of substantially 6.3 W/cm-K. 21: A method of forming micro-channels, the method comprising: selecting a substrate that includes a top and a bottom; depositing a stop layer of substantially thermally conductive material on top of the selected substrate; etching at least one micro-channel in the substrate; and sufficiently capping the micro-channels so as to facilitate the passage of fluid through the micro-channels. 22: The method of claim 21, wherein capping the micro-channels includes: bonding a layer of microelectronic wafer to the bottom of the substrate; and wherein the bonding includes utilizing either a direct or eutectic bonding technique. 23: The method of claim 22, wherein etching at least one micro-channel in the substrate includes etching the at least one micro-channel such that the micro-channel runs substantially within the substrate. 24: The method of claim 21, wherein the stop layer has a top and a high thermal conductivity to allow, at least partial, heat transfer from the top of the stop layer to the micro-channels. 25: The method of claim 24, wherein the stop layer has a thermal conductivity of at least 2 W/cm-K. 26: The method of claim 25, wherein the stop layer has a thermal conductivity of substantially 6.3 W/cm-K. 27: The method of claim 24, wherein the stop layer includes diamond. 28: The method of claim 21, further comprising: depositing a fill layer with the top of the hard layer; and polishing the fill layer. 29: The method of claim 28, further comprising bonding a layer of silicon, that facilitates the fabrication of active electrical devices, with the top of the fill layer. 30: The method of claim 29, wherein bonding a layer of silicon includes: growing a first bonding layer on top of the fill layer; forming a cleave plane within a silicon substrate; growing a second bonding layer on top of the silicon wafer; bonding the silicon substrate with the top of the fill layer; and removing an area of the silicon substrate above the cleave plane. 31: The method of claim 29, wherein the fill layer facilitates the fabrication of active electrical devices. 32: The method of claim 28, wherein etching at least one micro-channel includes: etching at least one micro-channel in the substrate, through the stop layer and at least in the fill layer. 